Six Nations Rugby

While all the indications are that Jamie Heaslip won’t be available for the start of the Six Nations as he nurses a badly bruised ankle, Declan Kidney has refused to rule the number eight out of contention for the time being at least.

Heaslip, who is understood to be in London today, was deemed to be unavailable for selection at a press conference held by members of Kidney’s backroom team in Limerick yesterday afternoon.

But, speaking at the Six Nations launch this morning, the Ireland coach revealed he has yet to give up the ghost on either Heaslip or Tommy Bowe. According to Kidney, both players were due to have further tests on their respective injuries and a final call on their involvement has yet to be made.